Buzz has Jacko looking at homes

Michael Jackson is close to purchasing a home in Las Vegas, according to buzz in the real estate community.

Jackson leased a home in Summerlin for six months a year ago before moving back East. He returned in November and has been spotted staying at a home on Palomino Lane for several months.

He's been involved in comeback discussions with Tom Barrack, CEO of the investment firm Colony Capital, which has major ownership position in the Las Vegas Hilton.

Colony Capital recently bought the loan on the singer's Neverland Ranch.

Meanwhile, Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, is apparently joining the crowded reality show field. He was spotted dining at Makino Japanese seafood buffet near Eastern and 215, with a film crew taping his visit.

SOCCER STAR VISITS

British soccer star Wayne Rooney was at Tryst nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas on Saturday, celebrating his recent marriage.

The Manchester United star married his childhood sweetheart, Coleen McLoughlin, on June 12 at a 17th century villa on the Italian Riviera. Rooney joined Tryst operator Victor Drai in his private booth.

It has been rumored for some time that Rooney was going to have his bachelor party in Las Vegas.

He told the British media that he suggested a "quickie" wedding in Sin City while he and McLoughlin were vacationing here last year.

"I said let's just do it," he said, "but Coleen wants the big wedding."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

TV icon Barbara Walters joins "State of Nevada" host Dave Berns from 10-11 a.m. in studio at KNPR-FM 88.9. She's in town to tape five shows of "The View" over three days at Caesars Palace with co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. The opening lineup today features members of HBO's "Entourage," recording artist Rihanna and Rio headliners Penn and Teller. ABC late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was scheduled to appear but he is no longer in the lineup. ...

Local attorney/food critic John Curtas is heading to New York City this week to serve as a judge on the Food Channel's "Iron Chef" show. ...

For a photo slide show of Elton John's 200th performance at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, click here: https://www.reviewjournal.com/media/slideshow/eltonjohn/

SIGHTINGS

Walters, having lunch Sunday with a guest at Wolfgang Puck's Chinois (Forum Shops at Caesars). ... "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson, celebrating his 52nd birthday Saturday at Tao Las Vegas (Venetian) with his wife Erika. Also joining the Jacksons were Nigel Lythgoe, "American Idol" executive producer and "So You Think You Can Dance," actress Rosario Dawson, Karina Smirnoff of "Dancing With the Stars," "Sex and The City" star Willie Garson, "Brothers and Sisters" star Dave Annable and Alicia Jacobs, KVBC-TV, Channel 3 entertainment reporter. ... At Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Saturday: Actor Robert Duvall at one table and actor Wilmer Valderrama, at another, with a large group. ... At Vegas magazine's fifth anniversary party at The Palazzo on Saturday: June cover model and Australian singing sensation Delta Goodrem, Rosario Dawson, "My Boys" actor Kyle Howard; Smirnoff, Dave Annable; magician Nathan Burton; Willie Garson; NBA player Lou Amundson; Janelle Perry from "Sunset Tan," and Miss Nevada USA Veronica Grabowski. ... At Warren Moon's eighth bowling benefit at Red Rock Lanes on Saturday: NFL stars Jerry Rice, Tony Gonzalez, Junior Seau, Warrick Dunn and Brandon Jacobs, actress Eva Longoria and Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs, actor Kevin Sorbo, NBA veteran Robert Horry, Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl, sports agent Leigh Steinberg and boxer Winky Wright. ... At Poetry (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Saturday: All 50-plus contestants of the Miss Black USA pageant, arriving in red gowns. Former NBA star Cedric Ceballos was guest deejay for the evening. The sports crowd included: Joey Porter, Ronnie Brown, Marcus Banks, Ted Ginn and Clark Haggins. ... Lou Ferrigno, best known as the title character from the 1970s "The Incredible Hulk" television series, signing autographs at Gallery of Legends at Miracle Mile Shops.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Barack Obama says he will not accept $85 million of public financing for his campaign. I guess he's raising more money on his own, but passing on $85 million ... Here are some things you can buy with $85 million: 85 million items at the 99 cent store ... $85 million could get you a whole summer's worth of gas ... or with $85 million, you could buy Heather Mills." -- Jimmy Kimmel

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.